Wind Energy Ordinances

Federal, state, and local regulations govern many aspects of wind energy development. The exact nature of the project and its location will largely drive the different levels of regulation required. Wind energy specific ordinances adopted by counties, towns, and other types of municipalities are one of the best ways for local governments to identify conditions and priorities around all types of wind development. These ordinances regulate aspects of wind projects such as their location, permitting process, and construction. The standards laid out in ordinances provide clarity to wind developers and the public. Ordinances may also address issues of community impact such as:

Land use

Noise standards

Safety

This page offers a catalog of 381 wind energy ordinances used by municipalities across the country to place requirements of the role of wind energy in their communities. Policymakers can use these ordinances as examples when modifying or drafting new ordinances in their jurisdictions.

These ordinances are provided as examples. Their inclusion here implies no endorsement of their content.

If you know of an ordinance that is not included in this list, please let us know.

State and Local Wind Energy Ordinances

Total of 381 ordinances found.
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